USA Dot Com is a blog covering politics and government from a conservative Christian perspective. Verne Strickland is a 50-year veteran of investigative journalism. This blog offers a take-no-prisoners style with a modicum of biting satire. Verne and his wife of 55 years, Durrene, live in Wilmington, NC.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

February 3rd, 2012 by Steven Aftergood

A House-Senate conference report
this week called on the Administration to accelerate the use of
civilian unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or “drones,” in U.S. airspace.

The pending authorization bill
for the Federal Aviation Administration directs the Secretary of
Transporation to develop within nine months “a comprehensive plan to
safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems
into the national airspace system.”

“The plan… shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned
aircraft systems into the national airspace system as soon as
practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015.”

The conference bill, which still awaits final passage, also calls for
establishment of UAS test ranges in cooperation with NASA and the
Department of Defense, expanded use of UAS in the Arctic region,
development of guidance for the operation of public unmanned aircraft
systems, and new safety research to assess the risk of “catastrophic
failure of the unmanned aircraft that would endanger other aircraft in
the national airspace system.”

Update: In the recently enacted FY2012 National
Defense Authorization Act (section 1097), Congress mandated that “the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a
program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national
airspace system at six test ranges.” This new test range program is
supposed to be established within 180 days.

Congress Calls for Accelerated Use of Drones in U.S.

February 3rd, 2012 by Steven Aftergood A House-Senate conference report
this week called on the Administration to accelerate the use of
civilian unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or “drones,” in U.S. airspace.

The pending authorization bill
for the Federal Aviation Administration directs the Secretary of
Transporation to develop within nine months “a comprehensive plan to
safely accelerate the integration of civil unmanned aircraft systems
into the national airspace system.”

“The plan… shall provide for the safe integration of civil unmanned
aircraft systems into the national airspace system as soon as
practicable, but not later than September 30, 2015.”

The conference bill, which still awaits final passage, also calls for
establishment of UAS test ranges in cooperation with NASA and the
Department of Defense, expanded use of UAS in the Arctic region,
development of guidance for the operation of public unmanned aircraft
systems, and new safety research to assess the risk of “catastrophic
failure of the unmanned aircraft that would endanger other aircraft in
the national airspace system.”

Update: In the recently enacted FY2012 National
Defense Authorization Act (section 1097), Congress mandated that “the
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall establish a
program to integrate unmanned aircraft systems into the national
airspace system at six test ranges.” This new test range program is
supposed to be established within 180 days.

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) -
Pat McCrory greeted hundreds of supporters at a campaign kickoff event
Thursday in Wilmington. More than 100 people jammed into Break Time
Billiards, chanting "Pat, Pat!" to welcome former mayor of Charlotte,
and favorite for the GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Before the appearance, McCrory sat down in the WECT Studios to talk
about his time away from politics. He went back into somewhat of a
private life after his loss to Beverly Perdue in the 2008 campaign, even
though he did make television appearances and speeches commenting on
the state's political landscape.

"It actually helped me get out of the political bubble, so I could
see first-hand the economic pain that is across this state," McCrory
said in a sit-down interview. "People trying to hold on to their houses,
and people trying to keep the doors open on their small businesses. Now
that I'm coming back into it (politics), that outside perspective is
bringing me a new perspective in this campaign."

Perdue's 50-47 victory over McCrory was one of the closest
gubernatorial races of the 2008 political season. McCrory says he's
learned from that experience what needs to be done better in 2012.

"There is no doubt with all of the Obama money coming into this
state, we've got to have a much better grassroots effort to get people
to vote," he said. "That really means using social media, and not just
using social media for the sake of it. It's using social media to get
people into action. It's also using social media to get your message
out, and in communicating with your supporters in a two-way effort.
That's what we're doing already in our campaign."

McCrory's kickoff event in Wilmington coincided with an announcement
from Erskine Bowles, the former president of the UNC system and one-time
Chief of Staff in the Clinton White House. Bowles released a statement
Wednesday saying he would not run for governor. Many believed Bowles
would be the democratic party's best chance of holding on to the office,
following the announcement by Gov. Beverly Perdue that she would not
seek re-election.

"I can relate. It's a very difficult decision to run for governor,"
McCrory said when asked about Bowles' announcement. "It's quite a
commitment for family. Erskine is a friend of mine and I know him very
well. I respect him and respect his decision, but we were not going to
change our strategy."
The filing period for candidates begins February 13th, and ends on the 29th.Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

Raleigh, N.C. — Former Congressman Bob Etheridge announced Thursday that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.

"My
life’s work has been about improving the public education system in
North Carolina," he said in a statement. "As we move forward, we must
ensure we are making the key investments in public education, community
colleges and the university system.

The schools are expected to a
big issue in the campaign as Republicans passed a state budget that
Democrats have panned for reducing spending by several hundred million
dollars.

"This election is about leadership. It’s about moving
forward – not moving backward," he continued. "If we want a 21st century
economy, we must have 21st century schools."

Etheridge's bid
further shakes up the party's gubernatorial future just a week after
incumbent Beverly Perdue said she wouldn't seek re-election.

Etheridge in, Bowles out in NC governor's race

Raleigh, N.C. — Former Congressman Bob Etheridge announced Thursday that he will seek the Democratic Party nomination for governor.
"My
life’s work has been about improving the public education system in
North Carolina," he said in a statement. "As we move forward, we must
ensure we are making the key investments in public education, community
colleges and the university system.
The schools are expected to a
big issue in the campaign as Republicans passed a state budget that
Democrats have panned for reducing spending by several hundred million
dollars.
"This election is about leadership. It’s about moving
forward – not moving backward," he continued. "If we want a 21st century
economy, we must have 21st century schools."
Etheridge's bid
further shakes up the party's gubernatorial future just a week after
incumbent Beverly Perdue said she wouldn't seek re-election.
He
joins Lt. Gov. Walter Dalton and state Rep. Bill Faison in the party's
primary. Three others are considering whether to enter the race, but
that group no longer includes Erskine Bowles, the former White House
Chief of Staff, two-time U.S. Senate candidate and past University of
North Carolina system president.
State Democratic leaders sought to recruit Bowles for a run after Perdue announced last week she won't seek re-election.
A
poll released early this week showed Bowles would be the most
competitive Democratic contender against the likely Republican nominee
Pat McCrory.
Bowles wrote in an email statement Thursday morning
he wouldn't run after having "spent a lot of time trying to think what
is the right thing for me to do."
"I don't think anyone questions
my love for North Carolina or my efforts to make our state a better
place to live, work or raise a family," I've done my best in this regard
and I plan to continue to do so," Bowles wrote. He made a reference to
advice given by his late father, Skipper Bowles, about serving people.
"There are lots of ways to make a difference, lots of ways to add to the community woodpile," he added.
U.S.
Reps. Brad Miller of Raleigh and Mike McIntyre of Lumberton and former
State Treasurer Richard Moore each said after Bowles' decision they were
still considering getting in the race.
Etheridge, who planned to
talk to the media Friday, had said earlier this week he was awaiting
Bowles' before moving his own decision.
At age 70, Etheridge would
be the oldest candidate in the race, but also the one with the longest
resume in state politics — and probably the longest voting record that
rivals could attempt to criticize. He joined the Harnett County
commission in the early 1970s, followed by the state House before being
elected state superintendent in 1988.
His last run at elected
office ended in 2010 when as the 2nd District incumbent he narrowly lost
to Republican Renee Ellmers. A viral video showing him grabbing a man
who was taping him on a Washington street didn't help his effort. Since
then, Perdue chose him to run the state's office for managing federal
stimulus dollars and to advise her on the response to Hurricane Irene.
Campaign filing starts Feb. 13 and the primary is in less than 14 weeks.
Miller,
who announced the same day Perdue got out of the race that he wouldn't
seek re-election to Congress largely due to redistricting, said he hoped
to decide by this weekend whether to get in the race. He said he
believed he'd have a strong base of support from the beginning.
Progressive groups such as MoveOn.org have been telling boosters to
encourage him to run. Miller would likely be a favorite of the state's
liberal bloc.
"I feel pretty confident that I could put together a campaign very quickly," he said.
Moore
said in an email to The Associated Press that he was still very
interested in running for governor "and will spend some time calling
around the state over the next few days to gather advice and
perspective."
A statement from a spokeswoman for McIntyre's
congressional campaign said he's "continuing to discuss with family,
leaders and advisers and pray about where he might best be of service to
North Carolina."
Democrats have held the governor's mansion in
North Carolina since 1993. Only two Republicans have been governor in
the past 100 years.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

By Verne Strickland / February 2, 2012

Mike McIntyre may run for governor. He may try to become even more
excessively incumbent in the U.S. Congress. He may decide to return to
Lumberton and become a peanut farmer. But it's most likely that his ego
and love for the high-life will keep him close to the action.

This feature on his most probable direction from this point should be
interesting and instructive. No matter which way Mr. McIntyre dodges,
NC/7 GOP candidate Ilario Pantano and his dedicated cadre of volunteers
and supporters may have the final say on this -- and send him back to
the farm.

***********

First published Thursday, August 19, 2010

Most members of the U.S. Congress don’t have a clue how battles and wars are fought. They haven’t been there.

The
disconnect shows in muddled decision-making, callous calls on Rules of
Engagement, dangerous and naive micromanagment, and — perhaps most vital
of all — failure to offer up a prescription on how to win, decisively
and honorably.

As a result, America — still the most powerful
nation on earth, and the most magnanimous – limps through combat
situations with its fighting forces hobbled by naive directives from
U.S. Congressmen who project a sanitized mentality of life — and death —
in the savagery of desperate combat.

In Iraq and Afghanistan,
the enemy wears no uniform, squanders its own “soldiers” behind the
cowardice of suicide missions, human shields, and wantonly kills
innocents at every opportunity to weaken the resolve of the “government”
to resist.

Who could understand this war? Who could deal with
it? Lawyers? I don’t think so. But these are the ladies and gentlemen
who send our fighting forces into combat, then waste their potential,
and safety, by imposing military impotence.

According to the Congressional Research Service 170 members of the House and 58 Senators have law degrees.

Is that enough? Or way too many? The troops who fight for our freedom are having their say now about this issue.

The
choice is crystal clear in the Seventh Congressional District of North
Carolina, where seven-term incumbent Mike McIntyre, an attorney who has
never been in uniform, is being challenged by former combat-seasoned
Marine officer Ilario Pantano.

The crying need in Washington for
American patriots who have fought our wars, and who are doing so now, is
powerfully expressed in a statement by Kieran Michael Lalor, founder of
Iraq Veterans for Congress. These are excerpts of his comments:

White
Plains, NY – August 17, 2010: The number of veterans in Congress has
been dwindling since the end of the Cold War. In 1980 more than sixty
percent of Congress had served but now barely twenty percent of our
leaders in Washington DC spent time in uniform.

The number of
combat veterans is even smaller. According to a report by the House
Armed Services Committee only five percent of House members served in
combat zones and even fewer saw actual combat.

Also quite rare is
the member of Congress who served as an enlisted man. Only about forty
percent of the veterans in Congress were enlisted despite the fact that
eighty-five percent of our military are enlisted rather than
commissioned officers.

In short, those who actually fight our
wars are severely underrepresented in Congress. For a variety of
reasons, it is in the national interest to have in Congress a critical
mass of enlisted men with trigger time.

While colonels and
generals craft the overall strategy of any conflict, the execution is
done primarily by privates, corporals and sergeants of the infantry,
artillery and cavalry. Because they operate where the metal hits the
meat, enlisted men of the combat arms have valuable insights into
equipment, tactics and policies.

The debate over the Rules of
Engagement in Afghanistan highlights the desperate need for enlisted
combat veterans of the War on Terror in Congress. Someone with a
worm’s-eye view of the impact restrictive rules have on morale and a
small unit’s ability to accomplish the mission would be invaluable when
questioning the Pentagon brass about the wisdom of current and future
rules.

Voters in North Carolina need look no further
than Wilmington, NC, for a shining example of a patriotic young
American who enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at 17, fought in the
First Gulf War as an anti-tank gunner, re-enlisted after 9/11, won his
commission at OCS, was deployed to Iraq where he took command of a
Infantry Platoon and led them in combat in the “Triangle of Death”
Region of Iraq, engaging the enemy in Latayifah, Yusufiyah and Falluja.

That
former Marine, Ilario Pantano, was praised today (August 19) by retired
Major General James E. Livingston, recipient of the highest military
decoration bestowed by the United States – the Medal of Honor — for
heroic actions in 1968 during the Vietnam War.

Livingston served
on active duty in the Marine Corps over 33 years before retiring on
September 1, 1995. He visited Wilmington, NC, Pantano’s hometown, to
support the GOP nominee at a campaign news conference.

“Ilario is
a true leader, a man of honor and integrity,” said General Livingston.
“As a Marine who led men into battle in Vietnam, I understand the
challenge of combat leadership, forged in the toughest crucible known to
man.

“Ilario has once again decided to heed the call to service,
this time to serve as a Congressman to stand up for us in Washington,
to return fiscal responsibility to our government, to protect our
national security, and preserve our values,” said General Livingston.

He
particularly praised Pantano for pledging to limit his service in the
U.S. House of Representatives to six terms, or a total of 12 years.

Pantano
secured his pledge with a $250,000 personal bond, which will be
forfeited to “Step Up for Soldiers”, a 501(c)3 charitable organization,
should he fail to honor his commitment.

Meanwhile, Mike McIntyre,
seven-term Seventh Congressional District incumbent, a Democrat, is
ignoring his own pledge to cap his service at 12 years — a promise he
made when first elected in 1996.

“He wasn’t supposed to run for
re-election again in 2008. He did it anyway. And, worse than breaking
his word, he’s reversed himself and voted sgainst term limits for
committee chairmen, thus ensuring a cycle of corruption amongst his
peers. Now he’s running again in 2010,” observed GOP candidate Pantano.

Perhaps
voters in the conservative Seventh NC District, turned off by
McIntyre’s claim of conservatism while voting repeatedly with liberal
House Speaker Pelosi, will make the decision for the congressman, to
spare him the anguish of retiring voluntarily.

Wilmington, NC:FEC filings released today show that
2010 conservative GOP nominee Ilario Pantano has surged 10% in his best
fundraising quarter of 2011.

Pantano’s momentum is noteworthy as his
opponent, lobbyist What the fundraising totals and new polls reflect is that as voters in the new 7th
district have gotten to know both of the candidates over the last seven
months, support for Pantano has increased, and support for his opponent
has eroded.

David Rouzer, has seen his support fall off 60% from
the third quarter to the fourth quarter in 2011. This drop in
fundraising ability is reflected by polls recently released by the
Pantano campaign, showing Pantano’s lead over his opponent widening 20%
to 48-21, and Pantano’s likeability also increasing. Pantano’s strength
is particularly noteworthy because of the $2 million in negative ads the
Democrats leveled against him in 2010.

What the fundraising totals and new polls reflect is that as voters in the new Seventh District district have gotten to know both of the candidates over the last seven
months, support for Pantano has increased, and support for his opponent
has eroded.

Andy Yates with the Pantano for Congress Campaign said the following:
“While the average North Carolina family is struggling to pay their
mortgage and couldn’t be bothered with the insider politics of
fundraising figures, this news sends a clear message to the special
interests supporting Rouzer in Raleigh and in Washington that the
viability of his candidacy may have been over sold. Pantano wants to go
to Washington to reform it, but the lobbyists supporting Rouzer clearly
expect him to conform to it, which is why they have invested so heavily
in Rouzer’s candidacy.”

Yates continued, “The polls and fundraising numbers show us that
Pantano’s experience in the Marines and Rouzer’s experience as a
lobbyist put them at opposite ends of the ideological spectrum. One sees
government as service, the other sees government as a career.”

This schedule of 'Meet and Greet' sessions is intended to inform our great volunteer teams of latest news from the campaign trail -- where we are at this time, and where we're going. You don't want to miss the meeting most convenient to you -- and we don't want to miss you! Looking forward to seeing you, and thanks for your enthusiasm for Ilario's candidacy. You're the key to a great victory in the NC/7 GOP primary and the general election.

Before I get to the terrific news about the poll released today, a quick reminder that we have two major volunteer meetings coming up: the first is this Thursday, February 2nd at 8:30 A.M. at Two Guy's Grille in Leland, and the other is next Tuesday, February 7th at 6:30 P.M. at Jones' Fish Camp in Wilmington. We hope you can attend one or both, and please bring a friend! See below for more information.

Our success is thanks to you, our terrific and dedicated volunteers. Being
a grassroots campaign, our success so far and that in May have and will
come down to your hard work and support. And we have a long way to go
before early voting begins in 81 days. So please, do what you can to
help. Come to the office (8207 Market St. Wilmington, NC) to make phone
calls or address envelopes. Send a letter to the editor. Host or attend a
meet and greet or bring a friend to an event with Ilario. Or just share
Ilario's Facebook notes and news articles and help spread his
conservative message. To learn more about how you can help, contact
Gerry Owens at 910-821-0089, or me at 804-241-5297.

We’ve also added a new leg to our platform: Principled Leadership. Ilario
will demonstrate principled leadership in Congress with a number of
reforms. First is a Constitutional amendment on term limits. Second is
the elimination of pensions and health care coverage for members of
Congress, and a 25% reduction in their salaries. Third is shutting the
revolving door between lobbyists and Congress. And fourth is ending the
abhorrent practice of Congressional insider trading. That is why Ilario
called on Rep. McIntyre and every member of Congress this week to do
these four things to restore America’s trust in their government. To
read Ilario’s message to Congress and his platform, click here: http://pantanoforcongress.com/posts/pantano-calls-for-major-congressional-reform-asks-members-of-congress-to-give-up-insider-tradi.

As mentioned, we hope you will be able to join us at our upcoming volunteer meetings at Two Guy's Grille in Leland on February 2nd at 8:30 A.M. (2013 Olde Regent Way # 110 Leland, NC) and Jones' Fish Camp in Wilmington on February 7th at 6:30 P.M. (7770 Market Street Wilmington, NC). Both
will be Dutch treat, but you don't have to eat to join in. We'll have
some VERY exciting news to report from the campaign, some updates on the
interesting developments regarding Perdue's decision to drop out of her
race, and breaking news about McIntyre's possible plans to drop out of
OUR race and run for Governor. It's been a big week! Come find out what
all of this means for NC-7 and for North Carolina. It will also be a
terrific opportunity to speak one on one with Ilario, and to give him
your feedback and suggestions. We need you there, and to bring a friend! For more information on upcoming opportunities to meet with and introduce friends to Ilario, please see the "Leap into 2012" meet and greet schedule below.

We would also like to announce a major upcoming campaign event, the P4C Golf Tournament on
March 31 at 11:30 AM, at Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation in Leland.
Come out and support Ilario with friends, coworkers, and family to enjoy
an afternoon of golfing and an awards cook out. We are thrilled and honored to have Rep. Duncan Hunter,
former Congressman and Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, and
conservative Republican candidate for President in 2008, as our special
guest. For more information, see the flyer below. Contact finance@pantanoforcongress.com or call 910-471-3040 to sign up or learn more.

NEW YORK – The
nation's leading breast-cancer charity, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, is
halting its partnerships with Planned Parenthood affiliates — creating
a bitter rift, linked to the abortion debate, between two iconic
organizations that have assisted millions of women.

The change will mean a cutoff of hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants, mainly for breast exams.

Planned Parenthood says the
move results from Komen bowing to pressure from anti-abortion activists.
Komen says the key reason is that Planned Parenthood is under
investigation in Congress — a probe launched by a conservative
Republican who was urged to act by anti-abortion groups.

The rupture, which has not
been publicly announced as it unfolded, is wrenching for some of those
who've learned about it and admire both organizations.

"We're kind of reeling," said
Patrick Hurd, who is CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia
— recipient of a 2010 grant from Komen — and whose wife, Betsi, is a
veteran of several Komen fundraising races and is currently battling
breast cancer.

"It sounds almost trite, going
through this with Betsi, but cancer doesn't care if you're pro-choice,
anti-choice, progressive, conservative," Hurd said. "Victims of cancer
could care less about people's politics."

Planned Parenthood said the
Komen grants totaled roughly $680,000 last year and $580,000 the year
before, going to at least 19 of its affiliates for breast-cancer
screening and other breast-health services.

Komen spokeswoman Leslie Aun
said the cutoff results from the charity's newly adopted criteria
barring grants to organizations that are under investigation by local,
state or federal authorities. According to Komen, this applies to
Planned Parenthood because it's the focus of an inquiry launched by Rep.
Cliff Stearns, R-Fla., seeking to determine whether public money was
improperly spent on abortions.

Cecile Richards, president of
the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, has depicted Stearns'
probe as politically motivated and said she was dismayed that it had
contributed to Komen's decision to halt the grants to PPFA affiliates.

"It's hard to understand how
an organization with whom we share a mission of saving women's lives
could have bowed to this kind of bullying," Richards told The Associated
Press. "It's really hurtful."

Reaction to the news was swift
and passionate. On Twitter, it was one of the most discussed topics
Tuesday evening, with some tweets praising Komen's decision and others
angrily vowing never to give to it again.

"I am stunned and saddened,"
said Honda, whose longtime chief of staff, Jennifer VanderHeide, had
breast cancer last year. "I call on Komen to reconsider this decision,
stand strong in the face of political pressure and do the right thing
for the health of millions of women everywhere."

Anti-abortion groups, in
contrast, welcomed the news. The Alliance Defense Fund praised Komen
"for seeing the contradiction between its lifesaving work and its
relationship with an abortionist that has ended millions of lives."

A statement issued Tuesday
evening by Komen made no reference to the vehement reactions, instead
citing its new grant-making criteria and pledging to ensure there were
no gaps in service to women.

"While it is regrettable when
changes in priorities and policies affect any of our grantees, such as a
long-standing partner like Planned Parenthood, we must continue to
evolve to best meet the needs of the women we serve and most fully
advance our mission," the statement said.

Planned Parenthood has been a
perennial target of protests, boycotts and funding cutoffs because of
its role as the largest provider of abortions in the United States. Its
nearly 800 health centers nationwide provide an array of other services,
including birth control, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, and
cancer screening.

According to Planned
Parenthood, its centers performed more than 4 million breast exams over
the past five years, including nearly 170,000 as a result of Komen
grants.

Komen, founded in 1982, has
invested more than $1.9 billion since then in breast-cancer research,
health services and advocacy. Its Race for the Cure fundraising events
have become a global phenomenon.

For all its mainstream
popularity, however, Komen has been a target of anti-abortion groups
since it began its partnerships with Planned Parenthood in 2005.

Life Decisions International
includes Komen on its "boycott list" of companies and organizations that
support or collaborate with Planned Parenthood. In December, Lifeway
Christian Resources, the publishing division of the Southern Baptist
Convention announced a recall of pink Bibles it had sold because some of
the money generated for Komen was being routed to Planned Parenthood.

Aun, the Komen spokeswoman,
said such pressure tactics were not the reason for the funding cutoff
and cited Stearns' House investigation as a key factor.

That investigation, which has
no set timetable, was launched in September when Stearns asked Planned
Parenthood for more than a decade's worth of documents.

Stearns, in a statement
emailed to the AP on Monday, said he is still working with Planned
Parenthood on getting the requested documents. He said he is looking
into possible violations of state and local reporting requirements, as
well as allegations of financial abuse, and would consider holding a
hearing depending on what he learns.

Many of the allegations were
outlined in a report presented to Stearns last year by Americans United
for Life, a national anti-abortion group, which urged him to
investigate.

Democrats and Planned Parenthood supporters have assailed the probe as an unwarranted political ploy.

Komen, while not publicly
announcing its decision to halt the grants, has conveyed the news to its
100-plus U.S. affiliates. Richards said she was informed via a phone
call from Komen's president, Elizabeth Thompson, in December.

"It was incredibly surprising," Richards said. "It wasn't even a conversation — it was an announcement."

Richards subsequently sent a
letter to Komen's top leaders — CEO Nancy Brinker and board chairman
Dr. LaSalle D. Leffall, Jr. — requesting a meeting with the board and
asserting that Komen had misrepresented Planned Parenthood's
funding-eligibility status in some states.

According to Planned
Parenthood, the Komen leaders replied to Richards with a brief letter
ignoring the request for a meeting, defending the new grant criteria,
and adding, "We understand the disappointment of any organization that
is affected by these policy and strategy updates."

Aun, in a telephone interview, said Komen was not accusing Planned Parenthood of any wrongdoing.

"We want to maintain a positive relationship with them," she said. "We're not making any judgment."

Richards said Planned
Parenthood is intent on raising funds quickly to replace the lost grants
so that women in need do not go without breast-screening services.
Already, the family foundation of Dallas oilman/philanthropist Lee Fikes
and his wife, Amy, has donated $250,000 for this purpose, Planned
Parenthood said.

The Komen decision was
perplexing to Dottie Lamm, a Denver newspaper columnist and breast
cancer survivor. She has done fundraising for Planned Parenthood,
participated in several Races for the Cure, and serves on an honorary
advisory council for the local Komen affiliate.

"It really makes me sad," said
Lamm, wife of former Colorado Gov. Richard Lamm. "I kind of suspect
there's a political agenda that got to Komen ... I hope it can be worked
out."

Stephanie Kight, a vice
president with Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties,
said her affiliate in Southern California received a Komen grant for
2011 and was able to obtain an additional grant of $120,000 for 2012 by
signing the deal with its local Komen counterpart just before Komen's
new criteria took effect. Under the criteria, no further grants will be
allowed unless the pending House inquiry is resolved in Planned
Parenthood's favor.

Kight said her conversations
with local Komen leaders indicated there was a shared sense of
frustration over the national Komen decision.

"One of the things these
organizations share is the trust of women across the United States,"
Kight said. "That's what we're concerned about — not losing the trust
of these women, who turn to both of us at their most difficult moments."

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Published: December 16, 2011

LOS ANGELES | At birth, Melinda Star Guido was so tiny she could
fit into the palm of her doctor's hand. Weighing just 9½ ounces — less
than a can of soda — she is among the smallest babies ever born in the
world.

VS: In a barbaric medical twist, many babies much larger than Melinda are cruelly torn from the womb (some still living) and deposited in trash bins behind some of our "best" hospitals!

Most infants her size don't survive, but doctors are preparing to send her home in early January 2012.

Melinda
was born premature at 24 weeks in late August and is thought to be the
second-smallest baby to survive in the U.S. and third-smallest in the
world. She spent the early months cocooned in an incubator in the
neonatal intensive care unit in Los Angeles.

Despite
hurdles, Melinda lived to her original due date. Doctors say
it is too early to say how she will fare developmentally and physically
when she grows up.

For now, her 22-year-old mother sits at her bedside almost every day and stays overnight whenever she can.

Recently, Haydee Ibarra caressed Melinda through the portholes of the
incubator where nurses pinned up a homemade sign bearing her name. Now
3½ months old and weighing 4 pounds, Melinda gripped Ibarra's pinky
finger and yawned.

"Melinda, Melinda," she cooed at her daughter dressed in a polka dot onesie. "You're awake today."

PROBLEMS IN PREGNANCY

During
her pregnancy, Ibarra suffered from high blood pressure, which can be
dangerous for mother and fetus. She was transferred from a hospital near
her San Fernando Valley home to the county's flagship hospital, which
was better equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies.

There was a problem with
the placenta, the organ that nourishes the developing fetus (I prefer "unborn child.") The fetus,
however, was not getting proper nutrition, blood and oxygen. Doctors
knew Melinda would weigh less than a pound, but they were surprised at
how small and fragile she was.

"The
first few weeks, it was touch and go. None of us thought the baby was
going to make it," said Dr. Rangasamy Ramanathan, who oversees premature
infants at the Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center.

Even
if she survived, doctors told Ibarra and her husband Yovani Guido,
children born so extremely prematurely can have developmental delays and
impairments such as blindness, deafness or cerebral palsy.

Ibarra, who previously had a stillborn child, told doctors to do whatever necessary to help her baby.

Melinda
was delivered by cesarean section at 24 weeks and was immediately
transferred to the NICU where a team of doctors and nurses kept watch
around the clock. Infants born before 37 weeks are considered premature.

Melinda
was kept insulated in an incubator and was hooked up to a machine to
aid her breathing. She got nutrition through a feeding tube. Her mother
said her skin felt like plastic because it was so thin.

"It
takes a lot of good care and a lot of good luck. Most of them don't
survive," said pediatrician Dr. Edward Bell of the University of Iowa
who keeps an online database of the world's smallest surviving babies
who were less than a pound at birth. The list currently contains 126 babies dating to 1936.